I have a few VMAR ARFs, as far as the hardware issue I have changed out rods clevises etc to sullivan and dubro, I do this on all my ARFs not only VMAR, also most of the ARF instructions from most makers say check the glue joints, if I think its needed I glue in 1/8 strips between bulkheads and side of aircraft. and beef up the landing gear mounts inside with a ply plate, large open areas on the fus sides get diagonal 1/8 bracing most of this may only add a hour to make a stronger airframe. The few extra dollars and time spent
still is a lot less than kit building. My vmar apaches are 5 years old and still going strong, my dornier from VMAR looks pretty nice
not together yet however martin